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Foster and Partners' designs for the new EnCana headquarters building, The Bow, were unveiled today. The firm claimed the scheme was the first significant mixed-use development east of Centre Street in downtown Calgary.

The new building will be environmentally sustainable, Fosters claimed. "The design concept has responded to the specific needs of the company's staff. It also creates a generous social space for Calgary, offering a new cultural, civic and shopping destination. The project is integrated with the historic context, seamlessly incorporating a number of early 20th century buildings."

Norman Foster said: "We are thrilled to be working with an enlightened client, to realise not only a highly innovative new headquarters building, but also a civic destination for Calgary that can be a catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area."

The first phase of the development comprises a tower for EnCana, a new public plaza with cultural and retail facilities and a podium building between 6th and 7th Avenue. Groundbreaking for The Bow is planned for the spring of 2007 pending City of Calgary approvals.